As one of the oldest and most prestigious trophies in college football, the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award is given annually to the nation’s most outstanding player.
Tuesday, the Camp Foundation released its list of semifinalists for the 2012 version of the award.
A total of 15 players constitute that list, paced by the Pac-12 and SEC with four and three players, respectively. The Big Ten and ACC were the only other conferences with more than one player with two each.
As expected, quarterbacks littered the semifinalists with nine players from that position. Running backs (three), linebackers (two) and wide receiver (one) were also represented.
“It’s been another exciting college football season with many teams and players still in the hunt for national recognition,” Foundation president John Marks said in a statement. “We’ve identified some outstanding players and we know the final weeks of the regular season should be even more thrilling.”
Individually, USC quarterback Matt Barkley is the only 2011 semifinalist to repeat in 2012. The Trojans are also the only team with two players represented -- Barkley and wide receiver Marqise Lee.
The five finalists for the award will be announced Nov. 28. The winner will be announced Dec. 6.
Below is the complete list of semifinalists as released by the Camp Foundation:
MONTEE BALL, Senior, RB, Wisconsin – Has rushed for 1,226 yards and 16 touchdowns for 7-3 Badgers.
MATT BARKLEY, Senior, QB, USC – Has passed for 2,972 yards and 33 touchdowns for the 7-3 Trojans.
KENJON BARNER, Senior, RB, Oregon – Has rushed for 1,360 yards and 19 touchdowns for 10-0 Ducks.
TEDDY BRIDGEWATER, Sophomore, QB, Louisville – Has passed for 2,858 yards and 21 touchdowns for the 9-1 Cardinals.
TAJH BOYD, Junior, QB, Clemson – Has accounted for 3,304 yards of total offense and 33 touchdowns (28 passing, 5 rushing) for 9-1 Tigers.
COLBY CAMERON, Senior, QB, Louisiana Tech – Has passed for 3,283 yards and 27 touchdowns for 9-1 Bulldogs.
JOHNATHAN FRANKLIN, Senior, RB, UCLA – Has rushed for 1,270 yards and 8 touchdowns for 8-2 Bruins.
JARVIS JONES, Junior, LB, Georgia – Has 56 tackles, 10.5 quarterback sacks, and 5 forced fumbles for 9-1 Bulldogs.
COLLIN KLEIN, Senior, QB, Kansas State – Has accounted for 2,768 yards of total offense and 31 touchdowns (19 rushing, 12 passing) for the 10-0 Wildcats.
MARQISE LEE, Sophomore, WR, USC – Has 98 receptions for 1,447 yards and 13 touchdowns for 7-3 Trojans.
EJ MANUEL, Senior, QB, Florida State – Has passed for 2,641 yards and 19 touchdowns for 9-1 Seminoles.
JOHNNY MANZIEL, Freshman, QB, Texas A&M – Has passed for 2,780 yards and 18 touchdowns and rushed for 1,014 and 15 scores.
AJ MCCARRON, Senior, QB, Alabama – Has passed for 2,158 yards and 20 touchdowns for 9-1 Crimson Tide.
BRAXTON MILLER, Sophomore, QB, Ohio State – Has 2,919 yards of total offense and 27 touchdowns (14 passing, 13 rushing) for 10-0 Buckeyes.
MANTI TE’O, Senior, LB, Notre Dame – Has totaled 92 tackles and six interceptions for the 10-0 Fighting Irish.